FAMU vs Tenn. State: Atlanta Classic sure to be close

Photo: FAMU Head Football Coach Rubin Carter

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Considering the way the last four Atlanta Classics have finished, you can expect just about anything to happen when Florida A&M and Tennessee State clash for the 47th time Saturday.

"It's always a tough game against Tennessee State," said FAMU coach Rubin Carter. "They don't quit and we also have that identity. The game is a real fan pleaser. It's tough on the coaches, though. It's come down to the wire the past two years."

Each of the last four games has been decided by less than seven points, with FAMU coming out on top in all four. Carter has been on the sideline for the last two FAMU-TSU nail-biters.

Photo: Albert Chester II gets congratulated by Coach Carter for win over Howard.

Defensive tackle Steve St. Felix intercepted a pass in the end zone in the fourth quarter to preserve a 12-7 FAMU victory in 2005.

Linebacker Dannel Shepard used his head in overtime to knock the ball out of running back Javarris Williams' grasp to set up Wesley Taylor's game-winning field goal.

"I can't take all the credit for that play," Sheppard said. "There were 10 other guys out there. Without those other 10 guys executing their assignments that play wouldn't have been made."

The FAMU players at Tuesday's weekly press luncheon seemed prepared for another down-to-the-wire battle in the Georgia Dome.

"This game always seems to be close," said senior defensive end Tyrone McGriff. "You know every year it is going to come down to a couple points.

"Even though it is a nonconference game, it is a big game for us. Our nonconference games count for a lot if we hope to get an at-large bid to the playoffs."


Last go-around
For seniors such as Shepard and running back Anthony Edwards, Saturday's game will be the last chance to make memories in the Georgia Dome.

"The atmosphere is great," Shepard said. "When you walk out on that field, the first thing you have to realize is that you have to be focused. It's the biggest adrenaline rush you can imagine."

For Edwards, an Atlanta native, playing in his hometown once again is even more special.

"It's always good to come home and play," Edwards said. "All my family and friends can come watch me play. I get real excited going inside of the Dome. I grew up watching the Falcons play in middle school and high school and working at the Dome.

"I saw all the high-school games in the Dome. It's always a good feeling going there, and I won't let anybody down."

Love that surface
Although FAMU plays its home game on grass, the players seem to have a fondness for the artificial turf in the Georgia Dome.

Former linebacker Shedrick Copeland, who blocked a Tennessee State field goal that led to a winning touchdown in 2003, said he liked the spring of the carpet.

Senior defensive end Tyrone McGriff said the Dome turf plays into the Rattlers' principal strength.

"Our defense is designed for speed," McGriff said. "We have the advantage in that area against most teams we play. We're smaller than most teams, but we're faster. When we get on turf, it is the closest thing to a track meet."

Enjoying the bye
Sheppard said the bye week was just what his team needed, especially after picking up a win heading into it.

"There is nothing like going into a bye week with a victory," Sheppard said. "You walk around smiling, feeling real good wearing your colors. You feel like it's only going to get better. Coming off the bye week, I think we are focused and ready to do what we need to do."